Looking for winter recreation in the Rockford region? Check out these 12 places
The Rockford region is known for its recreational opportunities, many of which make the warmer months more enjoyable.
But as golf courses, marinas and swimming holes close for the season, the fun doesn’t stop. As the cold weather moves in, so do the chances to enjoy the area during winter.
Here are 12 places that offer loads of fun as the temperatures plummet and the snow starts to fall.
Severson Dells Nature Center
From winter camps to guided tours, Severson Dells offers opportunities to enjoy the outdoors all year. The Full Moon Hike and Winter Tree ID highlight the facility’s winter events.
Address: 8786 Montague Road, Rockford
Rock Cut State Park
Rock Cut State Park’s winter recreation opportunities include hiking, mountain biking, ice fishing on two lakes, camping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The park spans nearly 3,100 acres.
Address: 7223 W. Lane Road,Loves Park
Rockford Park District
One of the most distinguished municipal park systems in the United States, the Rockford Park District offers dozens of winter activities. They include tubing and snowboarding at the Snow Park at Alpine Hills, hiking, cross-country skiing at three sites, winter mountain biking, and more.
Riverside Ice Arena
At Doty Park in Belvidere, Riverside Ice Arena is part of the Belvidere Park District. The facility includes a full-size outdoor hockey rink and the AJ Johnson Warming House. There is public skating, open hockey, lessons for all ages, concessions and Ozzie’s Skate Shop.
Address: 365 W. Locust St., Belvidere
Freeport Park District
The Freeport Park District offers a host of winter activities. Skating at Read Park Rink, racing down the hill on a sled at Krape Park, cross-country skiing at Oakdale Nature Preserve and cruising the Jane Addams trail on a snowmobile are great ways to enjoy Stephenson County during the cold season.
Nature at the Confluence
It's all about connecting with nature at Nature at the Confluence in South Beloit. Winter activities include geocaching, hiking, sunset strolls, and birding.
Address: 306 Dickop St., South Beloit
Bald eagle watching on the Rock River
Bald eagles have been wintering in great numbers along the rivers of Illinois for many years, including the Rock River. While eagles can be seen along the entire Rock River, the best place to watch and photograph them is in the Rockford area is south of the Morgan Street Bridge along South Main Street in Rockford and north of the city near South Beloit.
Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition
The annual Illinois Snow Sculpting Competition is held at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford, drawing hundreds of spectators who watch sculptors create giant works of art out of 10-foot blocks of ice. Teams compete for the right to advance to the National Snow Sculpting Competition. This year's event is scheduled for Jan. 24-27.
Address: 1401 N. Second St., Rockford
Forest Preserves of Winnebago County
The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County span more than 11,000 acres and offer mountain biking, winter camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
Celebrate the natural wonders of winter at Klehm Arboretum with a Snowshoe Hike, First Moon Tranquility Walk or a leisurely stroll through the 155-acre campus. Klehm offers paved paths and three miles of wooded trails.
Address: 2715 S. Main St., Rockford
Nygren Wetland Preserve
Owned by the Natural Land Institute, the Nygren Wetland Preserve is home to several winter outdoor events like Wander at the Wetland: Full Moon Snowshoe & Hike, where you can hike, snowshoe or ski a trail lit by luminaries and a full moon.
Address: 3714 W. Rockton Road, Rockton
Boone County Conservation District
The 28 conservation areas that comprise the Boone County Conservation District offer miles and miles of trails, prairies and wetlands that are perfect for hiking, birding, cross-country skiing and hunting. The dog park at Beaver Bluffs Conservation Area, Distillery Road Conversation Area and the Spencer Conservation Area are among the district's properties that are accessible all year.
Jim Hagerty covers business, growth and development and other general news topics for the Rockford Register Star. Email him at jhagerty@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: A dozen things to do outdoors in the Rockford area this winter
